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@enska

I just got an app to test my blood oxygen level and it wasn't great! At least I know I'm not making it up. Not much I can do, so I'll just continue monitoring.

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Replies to "I just got an app to test my blood oxygen level and it wasn't great! At..."

@enska It doesn't look all that bad Im not very good at reading graphs hang in there . take some deep breaths do you practice meditation or Tai Chi? Both of these have helped me when I get stressed out .

@enska I can see why you might be feeling concerned. Has your provider monitored your oxygen in the past, and if so, do you know what your typical readings are? For those in the group with significant lung issues who regularly have less oxygen, these readings may look OK, but they are below what most people without heart or lung issues experience.
Here are a few things to consider while evaluating the numbers -
Independent testing by several universities/hospitals has shown that Oxygen sats measured by a phone app tend to have an accuracy rate of +/- 2%, but their studies excluded people with high or low blood pressure and some other conditions. Customer experiences and evaluations of the apps vary widely, it looks like not all are particularly accurate. Consumers have reported that on some phones, their oxygen tends to measure lower than on others.
Over what period of time and under what conditions were your O2 sats measured? When my provider measures mine (a regular occurrence since I have several lung challenges) she first has me relax and breathe while sitting for at least a couple minutes before checking. I fear that if I was trying to get a phone app to do this, I would be stressed out and my breathing would reflect it.
In addition to having a virus or other illness, either Covid-19 or something else, generalized anxiety can cause poor respirations and thus make oxygen levels lower - is it possible you were seeing a combination of both? @lioness advice to do some deep breathing or meditation is a good one.
We are all very worried and often anxious these days, but it sounds like, whether you have the virus or not, your condition right now isn't dangerous. In your place, I would continue to monitor and call the doctor if things get worse, stay isolated, and practice good self-care, eating well and resting.
Sue